Local Search Engine Optimization For Businesses

With the emergence and dominance of the internet as a global marketplace, it’s more important than ever for small businesses to find a way to stand out. For example, if you’re a small retail store, how do you compete with a giant monster like Wal-Mart. It’s certainly not going to be with some fancy web design. But you definitely can increase your chances of success by taking advantage of SEO, particularly Local SEO. Have you considered using virtual tours or interactive virtual media for your site?

Everyone wants to be on the front page of Google. Most SEO and web design firms try to make that promise to all of their clients. But the fact of the matter is that Google is starting to promote local search results in their prime real estate areas. This means that a traditional SEO campaign that doesn’t utilize the principles of Local SEO is likely to miss the front page entirely.

Trust and Authenticity

Because unscrupulous businesses and people can mask their true identities and intentions on the internet, it’s becoming increasingly important as a business to show that you are indeed authentic and trustworthy. By having a Google+ and Facebook page for your small business that includes maps, address verification, reviews, images and videos, you gain trust while also providing Local SEO content that helps you get found.

Get Found by People on the Go

More and more people are using their mobile devices while they’re out and about to find places to go and things to buy. This means you should adapt your traditional web design to a mobile device to make sure prospective customers can find you. Essentially, people’s mobile devices are their connection to outside world and because of these device’s location services, they’re going to point buyers in the direction of what’s the closest. Again, a search engine optimization strategy that embraces Local SEO is what’s going to help you capture those sales.

Close More Sales

When choosing between multiple places, people tend to pick whichever one is closest. But if you are using traditional SEO instead of Local SEO, the people who would normally flock to your business may not even know you’re there. Again, this is where making sure your web design and search engine optimization strategies are compatible with location-sensitive mobile devices.

It’s Easy

People want to support small and local businesses, but they have to be able to find you first. It’s surprisingly easy to make this happen by simply claiming, verifying and building a presence in Google+, Yahoo and Bing. Start engaging with your Facebook audience and encourage customers to write reviews about your product or service. All of these contribute to Local SEO and result in you getting found and getting more business.